The Treasures of Surrey Collection by Sarah E. Ladd

Author:Sarah E. Ladd [Ladd, Sarah E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2017-09-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Three

Isabel’s final gown was delivered just in time for the dinner at the Atwell house—her first true social event in Northrop.

She had never been a guest at such a dinner before. At Fellsworth, she had always taken dinner in the same manner, at the teachers’ dining table in a room full of girls. Even since her arrival at Emberwilde, she had dined only with the family.

Tonight her nerves took flight within her, swarming her self-consciousness and fanning her apprehension.

Burns adjusted the lacing at the back of her dress, gently pulling the satin ribbon until it was flat against Isabel’s ribs.

Isabel tried not to stare at her reflection in the mirror. Even more so than she had in the dress she wore to church and in the days thus far, she looked different.

With new stays her entire shape evolved. Curves were more pronounced. The change of hue against her skin made every feature appear different. The cut of her bodice made her neck appear longer.

“Lovely, Isabel. Simply lovely.” Constance sat primly on the edge of the chaise lounge, her hands folded pristinely on her lap, her expression proud, as if she had just created a masterpiece. “That color is exquisite.”

Isabel had never worn a lavender gown, not that she could remember.

“You were right about it.”

Constance laughed. “Never doubt me when it comes to color, Cousin.”

Isabel sucked in a deep breath as she assessed herself. When Burns finished with the lace, Isabel lifted the intricate overlay, then let it fall back into place. The gown was cut lower on the bodice and wider on the shoulders than she was used to. She touched the bare skin with her hand, covering it. She pivoted so she could see the back of the dress.

“You are worried about the cut, are you not?” Constance stood and crossed the room to stand behind Isabel. She looked over Isabel’s shoulder into the mirror. “I assure you, this gown is entirely appropriate for an event like the one we are attending. I would not let you make such a misstep. You look divine.”

Isabel nodded in silent agreement. She had told herself that this gown was an extravagance, a frivolous waste. There were so many other things to spend time and money on. But now that she was in it, now that she felt the fine silk underclothes against her skin and beheld the transformation in front of her, she silenced the battle within her.

She knew this was just a dinner, but to her, it was a brand-new experience—a welcome to a new world.

She turned to Lizzie, who was seated on the chair. Her sister was slumped, her elbow resting on the arm and her chin propped in her palm.

“And what do you think of your sister’s dress, Lizzie?” asked Constance.

Isabel winced as she regarded her sister. Even in her new gown of pink striped muslin, she looked sad.

After a long pause, Lizzie sighed and lowered her hand. “It is pretty.”

“Just pretty?” Constance interjected, acting shocked at the child’s lack of enthusiasm.

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